Very Rare Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Inscribed "Marion / Virginia / 1884," Evan Javan Brown at the Choctaw Indian Pottery, Marion, VA, circa 1930, small-sized, ovoid jug with tall, flaring spout, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face including eyes with incised lashes and raised pupils, an elongated nose with carved nostrils, ears with pierced interiors, and open mouth with broken china-plate teeth. Surface covered in a glossy brown Albany slip glaze. Underside incised in script, "Marion / Virginia / 1884." This work is one of only two face jugs that we have seen produced by Evan Javan Brown while working at the Choctaw Indian Pottery in Marion, Smyth County, Virginia. The inscription, "Marion / Virginia / 1884," is unique to us, the date likely referring to a specific event in the history of the town or perhaps simply Brown playfully pretending the jug was made in a bygone era. An important work by an illustrious face-jug-producing family, viewed as instrumental in the continuation of this form into the 20th century. Provenance: Collection of Michael Hall and Pat Glascock, Hamtramck, MI. Very nice condition with an in-the-firing lime ping to spout and two minor chips to mouth. H 5 1/2".
